Aint Doody had a great point! For all of those who buy online, we are the reason that our local businesses aren't doing well!! Of course, the local business has some of that responsibility as well... but the reality is that we have to some degree created this!

If your local business doesn't carry what you want, perhaps they can special order it for you... I know that happens quite a bit in our area. If that isn't an option, then you have no choice.

What I have learned is this: after 17 years I certainly do NOT know everything. Just because something sold one year, it doesn't mean that it will the next year. Some times certain price points change completely from one year to the next. The key is to pay attention to what your customers want... and that is something that happens constantly. That is something that many businesses forget... we have so much to do, but the reality is that if you don't pay attention... then you have very little customers.

I would encourage everyone to shop locally! Try and support the smaller local business, in the long run, most are the ones that will help when you need it.

RM, as for you online customers, do the repair work and EDUCATE them at the same time. Explain to them what is happening, and the difference in quality between what Walmart has and what you offer. If they choose to shop online, then that's their choice. When I go to my local car mechanic, if I buy tires elsewhere... they charge me more for labor! That's a standard practice!! Explain to them that in order to keep you labor rate down, you make a small amount on parts... if you don't sell parts then the labor rate unfortunately has to go up.

Lastly, for all of you who want to service your own bikes; I think that's wonderful. However, with all of the information here and other websites, you are taking business away from your LBS. I realize that we all want to save money, but the other side of that coin, is exactly what we are talking about here in this forum!!

I hope that local business does survive this next year or so, and I would encourage all of you to work with them and help make that happen. CAn you suggest to a friend or coworker where to buy something? Local business keeps money in your area... and that is something that helps everyone!